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Were letting you go, Denis: the diary of an ex-minister

When Blair wouldnt meet his eye, Denis MacShane knew he was out

Friday May 6: It ended as it began. My mobile phone goes off: “No 10 switchboard here, minister, we have the prime minister for you.” Four years ago it was Tony Blair asking me to join his government. Today it is the same prime minister, who starts asking me how I am.

“Fine, fine, prime minister, Tony, congratulations on a great victory. I’ve just spent the morning doing French, Swiss and German media telling them that a 67-seat majority, the Tories held to fewer than 200 seats and Labour in power to 2010 is amazing.”

“Well, thanks, Denis, but I’m afraid I have got some bad news. I am going to have to let you go.” There are gruesome stories of ministers getting the chop pleading for their jobs or shouting in recrimination. Poor Tony. I just think I have been the luckiest MP alive to have worked eight years